tonic
Definitions
A medicine or drink that restores energy and vigor
补药；滋补品；提神饮料
Tonic water — a fizzy quinine-flavored drink, often mixed with gin
汤力水，奎宁水（常与金酒调成鸡尾酒）
(music) The first note of a scale; the keynote on which a key is built
（音乐）主音；调式的基准音
Giving a feeling of vigor or well-being; invigorating
滋补的；增强活力的；令人振奋的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedton (tone, tension) + -ic (relating to) = 'concerning tone/tension.' In music the tonic is the keynote that gives a key its tonal center. In medicine a tonic restores the body's 'tone' — tightens slack muscles, revives energy. Both meanings hang on the same idea: bringing a system back to its proper tension.
Root ton still carries 10 more wordsWhy It Means This
The link most people miss: the tonic you order with gin and the tonic in music theory are the same word. Both come from 'tone.' The drink was once an actual quinine tonic — a restorative meant to 'tone up' the body. The musical tonic is the home note that 'tones' the whole key. Whenever you see tonic, think 'restoring the proper tone.'
Common Collocations
- 1.gin and tonic金汤力（鸡尾酒）
- 2.tonic water汤力水，奎宁水
- 3.hair tonic护发水，生发水
- 4.a real tonic莫大的提神良方
Example Sentences
- 1.
A walk in the fresh air was a real tonic after a long week.
- 2.
I'll have a gin and tonic, please.
- 3.
The piece keeps returning to the tonic to feel resolved.
- 4.
Her cheerful visit had a tonic effect on the whole ward.